One of our founders, Neil Sutcliffe, recently took part in the Walk for Diabetes 2012 across Morecambe Bay. As he's raising money for Diabetes UK we thought we'd invite him to tell us all about the event and his experience on the day. From what we've heard (and seen, check out his photo album above!) we think that he and the other 100 people who completed the challenge are well deserving of any sponsorship they receive and we hope our customers will support the cause in any way they can. Well done Neil!
http://www.justgiving.com/Neil-Sutcliffe
http://www.justgiving.com/Neil-Sutcliffe
Risking life and limb in Morecambe Bay (remember the Chinese cockle pickers) - by Neil Sutcliffe
On Saturday 28th July I walked across Morecambe Bay, along with almost 100 others, to raise money for Diabetes UK. I don't remember ever seeking sponsorship from my friends before, but with my brother, my sister, my mother and three of my four late grandparents all being diabetic, this cause is fairly close to home. I guess you probably all know people who are diabetic as well as it's a disease that affects so many people in this country.
To be honest, I was expecting a pleasant walk across the sand in the July sunshine, perhaps having to wade across a couple of streams or similar. In reality, we'd only gone 50 yards from the promenade when the violent hail storm began, setting the tone for the next 5 hours. Once dressed in full waterproofs to cover the shorts and T-shirt, it never occurred to me to remove them until we were back in Grange over Sands, 10 miles later. Thank goodness we took them, it was only an afterthought!
We had a guide (to lead us round the quick sands and the deep gullies), two quad bikes and two tractors (to rescue us when we did) for support and I now fully appreciate that we would never have managed the crossing on our own. Quite a few people turned back in the first 10 minutes and others were tractored off the beach as the day went on, but I made it to the other side alive and well. As you can see from the pictures, it was wet all the way, although I just managed to keep my underwear dry! I met people who had done the crossing over a dozen times, but I think once will be enough for me so if you want to give, give now - there won't be another chance!
Thank you in anticipation of your support.
http://www.justgiving.com/Neil-Sutcliffe
Please dig deep and donate now!
On Saturday 28th July I walked across Morecambe Bay, along with almost 100 others, to raise money for Diabetes UK. I don't remember ever seeking sponsorship from my friends before, but with my brother, my sister, my mother and three of my four late grandparents all being diabetic, this cause is fairly close to home. I guess you probably all know people who are diabetic as well as it's a disease that affects so many people in this country.
To be honest, I was expecting a pleasant walk across the sand in the July sunshine, perhaps having to wade across a couple of streams or similar. In reality, we'd only gone 50 yards from the promenade when the violent hail storm began, setting the tone for the next 5 hours. Once dressed in full waterproofs to cover the shorts and T-shirt, it never occurred to me to remove them until we were back in Grange over Sands, 10 miles later. Thank goodness we took them, it was only an afterthought!
We had a guide (to lead us round the quick sands and the deep gullies), two quad bikes and two tractors (to rescue us when we did) for support and I now fully appreciate that we would never have managed the crossing on our own. Quite a few people turned back in the first 10 minutes and others were tractored off the beach as the day went on, but I made it to the other side alive and well. As you can see from the pictures, it was wet all the way, although I just managed to keep my underwear dry! I met people who had done the crossing over a dozen times, but I think once will be enough for me so if you want to give, give now - there won't be another chance!
Thank you in anticipation of your support.
http://www.justgiving.com/Neil-Sutcliffe
Please dig deep and donate now!